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Yokohama

Yokohama... what a place! A mix of Japanese culture and western influence makes this city not only an interesting place to visit or live, Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo! Like Tokyo (called "Edo" in the old days), Yokohama started off as a quiet little fishing village a long time ago. After Commodore Mathew Perry demanded and the Tokugawa Shogunate agreed to open ports in Japan in 1854, Yokohama slowly started and then picked up great momentum to become currently one of the largest ports in the world. Not only is Yokohama a real functioning port, it is also a "Playground" for Tokyo'ites on the weekend. Yokohama has Chinatown and Minato Mirai which are two hugely visited areas. Lesser known areas of Yokohama are also visited by those who want to see historical or more "down to earth" types of attractions.

Yokohama is about an hour or two on the train from Tokyo but once again, the trains are fast and smooth... it's an easy ride usually from Shinagawa or Shibuya. There is no real reason to take the Bullet Train from Tokyo to Shin Yokohama because a "local" express train will get you there in almost the same amount of time for a lot less money. If your visiting, plan on spending a full day in Yokohama... if your staying in Yokohama there is plenty to do to fill your days.

With a rich history, extremely modern infrastructure and a lot of attractions Yokohama has tons to offer for the visiting tourist or person(s) who decide to live and enjoy it.

Yokohama Minato Mirai

Where to stay in Yokohama

Even though Yokohama has a huge population and it sprawls out far to the North, West and South of the port, Central Yokohama (the area where all the action takes place) is quite localized. Doesn't matter if you stay at Shin Yokohama, Yokohama, Minato Mirai or near Chinatown / Motomachi you are always within two or three stops by train to the next happening place.

Most all the hotels are "Modern Western" type establishments down in Minato Mirai or up in Shin Yokohama. There are a few "cozy" type places off the main tourist trails but of course this will require a little more travel time (usually an extra stop or two on the train or even a taxi ride) to your destinations.

What to do in Yokohama

Yokohama is a fast paced, bustling city with blue-colar, white-color, students and tourists alike. No matter where you go people will be rushing here and there going to work, school or play. Although the trains tend to be semi-packed even during the day, it's never a far stop to your destination. If you feel like seeing the "Modern" Japan, head on down to Minato Mirai and stroll on into the Landmark tower. The Landmark Tower is a high rise office / hotel / mall and has every imaginable shop you desire. Outside you may catch a fun street show or just stroll along the pier to enjoy the scenery. Chinatown in Yokohama is another great place to visit and either just stroll around and view the sights or stop on in and have some authentic Chinese food. If your in Chinatown head on down to Yamashita Park where you can stroll along the ocean and once again get a fantastic view of Minato Mirai.

Access

The "Access" Graphic above is a simplified "Quick Glance" at transportation options. Due to fluctuating schedules & pricing, Times & Costs are subject to change.

from Tokyo or Shinagawa (Tokyo) Stations

Tokaido or Yokosuka Line - around 470 yen and takes about 35 min.
These trains leave regularly and make the ride to Yokohama Station quick and simple.

Shinkansen & Yokohama Line - around 2,900 yen and takes about 35 min.
The only reason you would want to take this method is for a chance to ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). However, the Shinkansen does not get up to full speed between Tokyo and Yokohama so... you would not be able to experience the "high speed" factor.

Here is a list of some of the top Attractions in & nearby Yokohama.
View all Attractions in Yokohama.

Hours: This is an area. Shops tend to open at 10:00 a.m. and close at various times.

Closed: N/A

Admission Cost: N/A

Minato Mirai 21 is considered as the seaside urban area located in central Yokohama whose name means "harbor of the future". It is composed of large high-rises, and it is where the Landmark Tower, is located. It was Japan's tallest building from 1993 until 2014. Tourists at Minato Mirai 21 will... read more

Hours: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last entry: 4:30 p.m.)

Closed: 2nd Wednesday of Dec. and Dec. 31 - Jan. 1

Admission Cost: Various costs per building but main castle adult: 500 yen, up to 15: 200 yen

Odawara Castle (in Japanese; Odawara Jyou 小田原城) has a very colorful history! Being in a Prime Location it was a target from all sides! On the location a "stronghold" was built in the late 1400's and this "stronghold" went back and forth between many clans before the... read more

Closed: No closing days

Talk about a fun date! Who doesn't love Ramen! Lately Ramen has become the "new" hit in the US (after sushi). Typically the Western World thinks of those 30 cent packs of cheap Ramen you can buy at the supermarket but Oh Boy weren't you shocked when you had your first "Real" Ramen!? Shin... read more

Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last entrance 4:30 p.m.)

Closed: December 29, 30, 31

Admission Cost: 15+: 700 yen, Under 14: 200 yen, 65+: 200 yen

Sankeien (in Japanese; Sankei En 三渓園) is a traditional and also a typical Japanese-style garden. It was designed and landscaped by Sankei Hara (real name was Tomitaro Hara) , a wealthy businessman in the silk trade. It was opened to the public in 1906. Sankei wanted to create miniature... read more

Hours: "Chinatown" is virtually open 24/7 but each shop has it's own operating hours.

Closed: N/A

Admission Cost: N/A

Yokohama Chinatown (in Japanese; Yokohama Chukagai 横浜中華街) is Japan's largest Chinatown, that is located in central Yokohama. The Chinatown quickly developed right after the port of Yokohama had been opened in 1859. It became the residence of the many Chinese traders who settled down in the city.... read more